Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 suspected insurgents, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and apprehended individuals believed to be supplying drugs and other logistics to terrorists during separate operations in Borno State.

The Joint Task Force’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, disclosed the developments in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the successes followed a series of coordinated offensives carried out with support from members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.

Uba explained that insurgents believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had earlier attempted to attack the Forward Operating Base in Auno on February 5, shortly before midnight. The assault was repelled by troops who engaged the attackers with sustained firepower.

Building on that outcome, security forces launched a follow-up operation on February 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area, pursuing the fleeing fighters toward the Gidan Kaji area. During the encounter, 16 insurgents were neutralised, while several others escaped with injuries.

He added that troops recovered more than 20 bicycles, weapons, and a sizeable quantity of supplies believed to be used to sustain terrorist operations.

In a separate action the same day, soldiers intercepted and arrested suspected logistics couriers allegedly transporting a large consignment of drugs intended for insurgents around the Bukarti axis.

Troops also thwarted a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road, forcing the assailants to abandon their captives while escaping into nearby bushes. Two victims were rescued and later reunited with their families.

Additionally, nine other kidnapped persons were freed following a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa road.

Military authorities said the operations reflect ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks, safeguard communities, and support humanitarian protection across the North-East.